PANNA: Resource Pointer #376 (The Spread of GE Crops)

For copies of the following resources, please contact the appropriate publishers or organizations directly.

*African Center for Biosafety*Web site. Provides current information on legal aspects of the introduction of genetically engineered (GE) crops in Africa, and the risks to human health and the environment. Includes text of biosafety legislation in six African nations with economic and political analysis and arguments for stronger biosafety measures. Contact Ms. Mariam Mayet, African Centre for Biosafety, 13 The Braids Road, Emmarentia 195, South Africa. Web site http://www.biosafetyafrica.net/.

*Gone to Seed: Transgenic Contaminants in the Traditional Seed Supply, 2004* Margaret Mellon and Jane Rissler. Reports that traditional varieties of U.S. corn, soybeans and canola are pervasively contaminated with low levels of DNA sequences from transgenic varieties. Argues that this contamination threatens traditional plant varieties as well as organic agriculture and offers a series of recommendations for research institutions, regulators and industry. 70 pages. Available as a free download at http://www.ucsusa.org/. Contact Union of Concerned Scientists. West Coast Office 2397 Shattuck Ave., Ste. 203; Berkeley, CA 94704-1567; Phone (510) 843-1872; Fax (510) 843-3785; email mailto:ucs@ucsusa.org.

*The Seeds of Neo-Colonialism: Genetic Engineering in Food and Farming, 2002* GroundWork. Critiques the enormous growth in genetically engineered crops in South Africa and discusses the associated implications for food security and the environment. Argues that the assessment and monitoring of environmental and social risks of GE crops in South Africa are wholly inadequate. Suggests that trade agreements, and the importation of subsidized food commodities have limited the nation’s ability to restrict GE crops in order to protect the nation’s food security. Number four in a series of five resources on environmental justice issues in South Africa. 20 pages. Available as a free download at http://www.groundwork.org.za/. Contact Groundwork at P.O. Box 2375 Pietermaritzburg 3200 South Africa; Phone (27 33) 342-5662; Fax (27 33) 342-5665; email mailto:team@groundwork.org.za.

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